to the effect
phrase
: with the meaning
I'm not quoting him exactly, but something to the effect that he hoped this would restart something more substantive.—
Michel Martin
Michel MartinExamples of to the effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Turner explains that particular attention has been drawn to the effect of microplastics on plankton populations.
—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Cite this Entry
“To the effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20the%20effect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
